COVID-19 in university settings: Establishing an advanced research platform to inform control and mitigation strategies – Urgency Award
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Nottingham
Department Name: UNLISTED
Abstract
Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.
Technical Summary
Universities have been identified as potential high risk setting for SARS2 spread. This viewpoint is based on specific environmental and social factors - for example mass mobilisation, communal living and frequent social interactions - as well as biological determinants, such as asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic spread. However, the evidence-base is lacking. This project will provide an immediate and timely snapshot of SARS2 prevalence, its molecular epidemiology and seroprevalence in a large cohort (~6K) of hall-based students and associated frontline staff. It will also establish necessary modelling and behavioural research platforms to provide immediate and mid-term analysis of behaviours and social factors associated with infection and spread, as well as its mitigation, with a particular focus on social distancing. It will also utilise existing NIHR-supported activities focussing on the long-term consequences of COVID-19. This will have immediate impact on the national and international higher education community as well as longer-term benefits created through resulting multi-partner collaborative research. These studies will provide important insights into COVID-19, including its epidemiology, control and long-term health impacts.
Organisations
Publications
Blake H
(2020)
Perceptions and Experiences of the University of Nottingham Pilot SARS-CoV-2 Asymptomatic Testing Service: A Mixed-Methods Study
in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Blake H
(2021)
Students' Views towards Sars-Cov-2 Mass Asymptomatic Testing, Social Distancing and Self-Isolation in a University Setting during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study
in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Knight H
(2021)
Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Self-Isolation on Students and Staff in Higher Education: A Qualitative Study.
in International journal of environmental research and public health
Adeboyejo K
(2022)
Simultaneous determination of HCV genotype and NS5B resistance associated substitutions using dried serum spots from São Paulo state, Brazil.
in Access microbiology
Adeboyejo K
(2022)
Hepatitis C subtyping assay failure in UK patients born in sub-Saharan Africa: Implications for global treatment and elimination
in Journal of Medical Virology
Francis RV
(2022)
The Impact of Real-Time Whole-Genome Sequencing in Controlling Healthcare-Associated SARS-CoV-2 Outbreaks.
in The Journal of infectious diseases
Chumbe A
(2022)
Optimization of the pseudoparticle system for standardized assessments of neutralizing antibodies against hepatitis C virus.
in The Journal of general virology
Description | University COVID testing |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Citation in other policy documents |
Impact | Development of policy for control and mitigation of COVID-19 in HE sector |
URL | http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tfc-covid-19-in-higher-education-settings-10-february-2021 |
Description | University asymptomatic testing |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Membership of a guideline committee |
Impact | Development and review of asymptomatic testing procedures for HE setting |
Description | Media activity |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | J Ball had a daily 'Listeners' Questions Answered' spot on BBC Radio Nottingham (which included internet listeners from as far afield as Australia), which focussed on various SARS-CoV2 related issues. Numerous questions were related to environmental survival of SARS-CoV2, and he was able to draw from project findings as well as the wider literature to answer these. This included a local transport company who used this is a source of information to develop driver and passenger safety advice. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/nottingham-news/nottingham-professors-image-place-bus-5458134 |